REGISTER TO WIN TICKETS TO CIRQUE ITALIA ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd!
Cirque Italia will present its “Aquatic Spectacular” Water Circus to Expo Gardens (located at 1601 W Northmoor Rd. in Peoria) for 8 performances running September 2 – 6. Featuring a custom-designed water stage that uses 35,000 gallons of water creating curtains of rain and fountain jets that are choreographed to enhance the artists’ performances. The world’s only mobile water stage choreographs laser lights and bubbles to enhance the artists performances. The water stage is digitally controlled and includes waterfalls and fountains surrounded by a moat.
The group will raise its tent containing the water stage where they will perform in the European Circus style. Circus founder Manuel Rebecchi is the nephew of the world-renowned queen of the Italian circus Moira Orfei who ran the largest travelling show in Europe. Travelling with her as a child is where he developed the foundation of his adoration for the circus.
Cirque Italia has a strict no-animal policy for their shows which focus on testing the strength and sheer will of the human form and testing the limits of the human capabilities. Most of their performers are descendants from a multi-generational circus family with a strong performing heritage with fifth, sixth, seventh, and even eighth generation circus performers under their tents.
All the performers also work behind the scenes as well as on stage as tent crew, concessions, ticket office, ushers, and marketing. The person who scans your ticket at the door might just be flying through the air 30 feet above the ground during the performance. The tent is equipped with air conditioning, however patrons are recommended to dress to accommodate the weather.
The show coming to Peoria was created by Morgaine Rosenthal who also performs as a mermaid in the aerial straps duo with partner Dee Fernandez who she trained. Rosenthal is also the unit manager for the show. After a year of college at Florida State, Rosenthal decided to quit and attend a circus school in Atlanta to learn to be a performer. Athletic as a child as a gymnast, she had never previously trained to perform in a circus.
When asked who would most enjoy the show, Sarah Kessler of Cirque Italia said “It’s for everyone – not targeted for any specific age – kids love it, parents love it, senior citizens love it.” She continued, “There’s something for everyone. The performers are incredible, but then you add the water and the lighting and the audio and it just makes it something you can’t explain. Pictures don’t do it justice – you have to go and see it for yourself. You’ll hear the crowd gasp and their jaws will drop. It’s gorgeous , just absolutely gorgeous.”
Performances are Thursday, September 2 at 7:30 pm, Friday, September 3 at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturday, September 4 at 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday, September 5 at 1:30 and 4:30 pm and on Monday, September 6 (Labor Day) at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in price from $10 to $40 and are available online HERE or by calling 941-704-8572. Get 1 free ticket for children aged 2 – 12 with the purchase of each full-price ticket when you use the promo code “FREE” at checkout for level 2 and level 3 seating.
Find Peoria area events on the ExplorePeoria.com Calendar any time!
